2月12日のまにら新聞から

Gov't security forces get 20% discount on bus fares

Government security forces can enjoy a 20 percent discount on public utility buses starting Monday.

In a ceremony led by Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board chairman Martin Delgra III, officials from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and National Capital Region Police Office with 18 transport bus operators signed a memorandum of agreement to grant 20 percent fare discount to uniformed personnel.

The AFP, PNP and PCG officers who are in active service need to present their valid ID to enjoy the privilege.

It states that this privilege, which is an expression of goodwill will continue and remain effective indefinitely but subject to further review by parties one year after the implementation.

Delgra said this action was inspired by President Rodrigo Duterte to give due recognition of the men and women in uniform.

"We got the inspiration from the president to at least give service to the men and women in uniform. That said, when I talk to some bus operators they already agreed," he said after the signing ceremony.

Delgra said this benefit was willingly given by the bus operators and it did not take them too long in organizing this agreement.

He added though the 20 percent is a small thing, it's a big thing in recognizing the sacrifices of the government forces.

The LTFRB chairman said they are giving seasons pass not only to those active members of the PNP, AFP and PCG but also to their families.

"We kind of formalize what has happening on the ground in some other places. So the reception of the bus operators are good," said Delgra.

Delgra said some transport bus operators are giving more benefits to the uniformed personnel.

The AFP and PNP were grateful for the generous support they got from stakeholders and other government agencies.

In his message read by Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. thanked them for acknowledging their hardships and struggles.

"Thank you for acknowledging th hardships endure by the Filipino soldiers and all uniformed personnel. And for easing our struggles through your own simple and valuable way," said Collado.

For the PNP's part, Director General Oscar Albayalde said the will return the favor by assuring transport operators and commuters of their best.

"We are particularly increasing police presence, especially on transport terminals malls and other places of convergence to preempt any attempt by lawless elements to sow fear and terror among the people," Chief Superintendent Joselito Daniel, deputy director for the Police Community Relations Group said.

"We assure the riding public that their safety and security remained on top of our concer at all times," he added.

PCG said this will be a great help not only for soldiers but also to their families. "Twenty percent is a big help for our comrades," Vice Admiral Rolando Legaspi said.

"We are thankful that the blessings and help you gave our group continues to expand," he added.

For the transport group, they said they are grateful to participate in paying back the sacrifices of the security forces.

"We hope that this program will be the start of a stronger and continuing partnership between the transport industry and the PNP, AFP and Coast Guard towards the growth of our country," Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association president Giovani Simundac said. Ella Dionisio/DMS